By Pete Mohr | November 4, 2009

Proudly representing Special Olympics Arizona - Unified Sports Program, and cheering on the Falcons, Halloween Eve, were very special Falcon fans – Special Olympians. Congratulations, special guys and gals! And to program coordinator Monica Barrett.Photo By Pete Mohr

FALCON STADIUM – After 48 minutes of football, the Van Chevrolet-sponsored scoreboard in the south end zone read HOME 46 - VISITORS 21, the refurbished (and readable!) lights confirming the undefeated Falcons’ ninth victory – not without some anxious moments early in the 4th quarter, but heralding that the ‘Birds were now only one win away from a 10-0 perfect regular season.

Congratulations to Head Coach Chad DeGrenier, his dedicated Staff and to every Football Falcon – especially the 14 seniors who, to a man, pledged last Summer the “Senior Leadership” that became the inspiring foundation for this already-beyond-their-dreams season! Only the visiting McClintock Chargers (4-5, #13 in A.I.A. Power Points) stand in the Falcons’ way.

“Coach D., how do you feel going into Senior Night, 9-0?” “I’m happy for the kids; but I’ll be happier when we’re 10-0 and ranked 1st heading to the Playoffs. Our offense has gotten stronger every week, but we need to tighten up a little defensively. We get 14 points ahead and then seem to relax. Coach Bradshaw’s gonna take care of that!”

Against Queen Creek, the Falcons struck for five 1st half touchdowns: Brady Dombrowski’s leaping catch at 1:47 of the 1st quarter; John Leonard’s first two (of three) sixes at 5:48 of the 1st and 1:21 of the 2nd; QB Dillon Classen’s quick sneak over left guard (7:14 of the 2nd), then, at 8:22, his 35-yard beauty to Quad-Captain Tommy Murphy, set up by Alex Yazdi’s fumble recovery. At the half: Falcons, 34 - Bulldogs, 14.

The Falcs took an all-too-familiar - looking nap in the 3rd. The ‘Dogs closed to a 34-21 two-score game; and early in the 4th, were fourth-and-seven at the CSHS 43. Cody Wendel and Quad-Captain Zack Sexton then combined on the “Defensive Play of the Game,” sacking QC quarterback Adam Brzeczek all the way back to the ‘Dog 40!

CSHS VolleyBall hosts 1st Round in State

By Pete Mohr | November 4, 2009

The week of Oct. 19 was a big one for Volleyball Head Coach Tom Gardner and his Lady Falcons. First, on Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Ladies made the long haul to Queen Creek, where they clinched the Desert Sky Region title by defeating the Lady Bulldogs in four tough games. They were home the next evening, celebrating “Senior Night” by sweeping McClintock in straight games, completing a perfect 8-0 record in D-Sky play.

Not only have these three seniors had great volleyball careers, but they also excel scholastically and/or extra-curricularly. Pregame, Michaela, who may be headed to M.I.T., impressively sang our National Anthem. At present date, Kelsey ranks first in the Class of 2010, and is being recruited by Princeton, Haverford and Bowdoin. Sarah, an outstanding student, skillfully plays xylophone in the “Fighting Falcons Marching Band.” Wow, you three!
Coach Gardner faces the challenge of keeping his currently #2-ranked team (behind Sunnyslope, who else?) sharp until they host their State 1st Round game (opponent to be determined), Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Barrett Gym, 7 p.m. first serve. If the Lady Falcons win, they’ll stay home for their Quarterfinals match on Thursday, Nov. 12, also a 7 p.m. start.
Congratulations to JV Coach Jerry Lucia and Freshman Coach Ali Adams (CSHS ’09) on their respective 16-1 and 12-5 seasons. Good luck at State, VolleyGals!

All-Region quintet leads to State!

By Pete Mohr | November 4, 2009

Losing a tie-breaker (determined by comparing the finishes of the sixth runners) to Saguaro was a big time disappointment/frustration for Cross Country’s Girls; and Boys Captain Austin Miles used his subpar performance to sum up the Guys’ Oct. 30 Regionals: “I ran a bad race. It’s out of my head now. State’s coming up this Saturday. We’re going to do better!”